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  1. A longitudinal study of age-related changes in intraocular pressure: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study
    Zhao D, Kim MH, Pastor-Barriuso R, Chang Y, Ryu S, Zhang Y, et al.
    Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2014 Oct;55(10):6244-50.
    PMID: 25183763 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-14151
    To examine the longitudinal association between age and intraocular pressure (IOP) in a large sample of Korean men and women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Distribution
  2. Relationship between frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking and TTFC/C among students of the GYTS in select countries, 2007-2009
    Lam E, Giovino GA, Shin M, Lee KA, Rolle I, Asma S
    J Sch Health, 2014 Sep;84(9):549-58.
    PMID: 25117888 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12185
    BACKGROUND: This study assessed the construct validity of a measure of nicotine dependence that was used in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS).
    METHODS: Using 2007-2009 data from the GYTS, subjects from 6 countries were used to assess current smokers' odds of reporting time to first cigarette or craving positive (TTFC/C+) by the number of cigarette smoking days per month (DPM) and the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD).
    RESULTS: The percentage of GYTS smokers who reported TTFC/C+ ranged from 58.0% to 69.7%. Compared with students who smoked on 1-2 DPM, those who smoked on 3-9 DPM had 3 times the adjusted odds of reporting TTFC/C+. The adjusted odds of reporting TTFC/C+ were 3 to 7 times higher among those who smoked 10-29 DPM and 6 to 20 times higher among daily smokers. Similarly, the adjusted odds of TTFC/C+ were 3-6 times higher among those who smoked 2-5 CPD and 6 to 20 times higher among those who smoked >6 CPD, compared to those who smoked <1 CPD.
    CONCLUSION: Associations of TTFC/C+ prevalence with both frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking provide a construct validation of the GYTS question used to assess respondents' TTFC/C status.

    Study site: Six countries: Argentina 2007, Jordan 2007; Malaysia 2009; Slovakia 2007; South Africa 2008; Thailand 2009
    Study name: Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Distribution
  3. Fulltext The status of men's health in Asia
    Ng CJ, Teo CH, Ho CC, Tan WP, Tan HM
    Prev Med, 2014 Oct;67:295-302.
    PMID: 25117523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.08.007
    This study aims to compare health status and its risk factors between men and women who are from countries of different income status in Asia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  4. Prevalence, comorbidities, and cofactors associated with alcohol consumption among school-going adolescents in Malaysia
    Manickam MA, Abdul Mutalip MH, Abdul Hamid HA, Kamaruddin RB, Sabtu MY
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 Sep;26(5 Suppl):91S-9S.
    PMID: 25038196 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514542194
    Alcohol is deleterious to physical and mental health as well as social well-being. This study aims to examine the prevalence of alcohol consumption and factors associated with its use among school-going Malaysian adolescents. The Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2012 employed 2-stage clustering design to Malaysian secondary school respondents aged 12 to 17 years. The prevalence of current alcohol usage was 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8-10.07) overall, 11.2% (95% CI: 9.80-12.80) among males, and 23.4 (95% CI: 21.40-25.50) among Chinese students. Multivariate logistic regression showed that adolescents who had used alcohol were more likely to have used substance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.39; 95% CI: 2.33-4.99), experienced injury (aOR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.20-1.95), and engaged in sexual behaviors (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12-1.79), and fights (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.08-1.41). The current national policies on alcohol should be strengthened to curb alcohol consumption among adolescents.
    Study name: Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Distribution
  5. The prevalence of physical activity and its associated factors among Malaysian adults: findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011
    Teh CH, Lim KK, Chan YY, Lim KH, Azahadi O, Hamizatul Akmar AH, et al.
    Public Health, 2014 May;128(5):416-23.
    PMID: 24726414 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2013.10.008
    OBJECTIVES: Despite the health-enhancing benefits of physical activity, a large segment of the Malaysian population does not engage in regular physical activity at the recommended level. This study aimed to determine physical activity patterns and the associated sociodemographic correlates of physical activity.
    STUDY DESIGN: Data on physical activity were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2011, a nationally representative, population-based cross-sectional study. A two-stage stratified sampling method was used to select a representative sample of Malaysian adults aged 16 years and above.
    METHODS: A total of 19,145 adults aged 16 years and above were recruited, and face-to-face interviews were conducted using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short version. The correlates for physical activity were identified using multivariate analysis.
    RESULTS: In this study, 64.3% (95%CI: 63.1-65.5) of Malaysian adults aged 16 and above were physically active, but overall physical activity levels decreased with advancing age. Men, rural residents, 'other' ethnic groups, and married women were more likely to demonstrate higher levels of physical activity.
    CONCLUSION: Approximately 65% of Malaysian adults were physically active. However, it is recommended that health promotions for active lifestyles should be targeted to the least active segments, which constitute more than a quarter of the Malaysian population.
    KEYWORDS: Correlates; IPAQ; Malaysian adults; Physical activity; Sociodemographic
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Distribution
  6. Clinical and autoantibody profile in systemic sclerosis: baseline characteristics from a West Malaysian cohort
    Sujau I, Ng CT, Sthaneshwar P, Sockalingam S, Cheah TE, Yahya F, et al.
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2015 May;18(4):459-65.
    PMID: 24618222 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.12322
    AIM: To evaluate the clinical and antibody profile of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a Malaysian cohort.
    METHODS: Consecutive patients with SSc in University Malaya Medical Centre from March to November 2012 were included in this study. In addition to clinical characterization, all subjects underwent autoantibody testing using Euroline immunoblot assay. The association between clinical features and autoantibody profile was evaluated.
    RESULTS: There were 31, predominantly Chinese (45.2%), subjects. Limited cutaneous disease was the most common subtype (71%). Raynaud's phenomenon was the most commonly observed feature (83.9%). Nine (29%) had esophageal dysmotility symptoms and 23 (74.2%), including all patients with diffuse SSc, had symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Restrictive pattern on pulmonary function test and evidence of lung fibrosis were seen in more than 70% of patients. Echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension was seen in 58.1%. Telangiectasia, calcinosis, digital ulcers, digital pulp loss or pitting were seen more commonly in the diffuse subtype. The two most prevalent autoantibodies were anti-Scl-70 and anti-Ro-52. The presence of anti-Scl-70 was significantly associated with restrictive lung disease (P = 0.05). Anti-Ro-52 was associated with control subjects with other autoimmune diseases (P = 0.043). The presence of anti-PM-Scl-75 was associated with overlap syndrome (P = 0.032). Patients with anticentromere antibodies were more likely to have vasculitic rash (P = 0.012).
    CONCLUSION: In Malaysia, SSc most commonly affects the Chinese. Limited cutaneous is more common than diffuse subtype. Features of CREST (calcinosis, Reynaud disease, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) are more commonly observed in the diffuse cutaneous subgroup. Anti-Scl-70 and anti-Ro-52 antibodies are promising biomarkers for pulmonary involvement in SSc.
    KEYWORDS: Malaysia; autoantibodies; clinical profile; systemic sclerosis
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  7. Fulltext Prevalence of faecal incontinence and its related factors among patients in a Malaysian academic setting
    Roslani AC, Ramakrishnan R, Azmi S, Arapoc DJ, Goh A
    BMC Gastroenterol, 2014;14:95.
    PMID: 24885285 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230X-14-95
    Prevalence data is essential for planning of healthcare services. The prevalence of faecal incontinence (FI) varies worldwide, and in Malaysia is not known. We sought to estimate its prevalence among patients with various conditions in a Malaysian academic setting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  8. Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in eyes with hypertensive uveitis
    Din NM, Taylor SR, Isa H, Tomkins-Netzer O, Bar A, Talat L, et al.
    JAMA Ophthalmol, 2014 Jul;132(7):859-65.
    PMID: 24789528 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2014.404
    IMPORTANCE: Uveitic glaucoma is among the most common causes of irreversible visual loss in uveitis. However, glaucoma detection can be obscured by inflammatory changes.

    OBJECTIVE: To determine whether retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurement can be used to detect glaucoma in uveitic eyes with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

    DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Comparative case series of RNFL measurement using optical coherence tomography performed from May 1, 2010, through October 31, 2012, at a tertiary referral center. We assigned 536 eyes with uveitis (309 patients) in the following groups: normal contralateral eyes with unilateral uveitis (n = 72), normotensive uveitis (Uv-N) (n = 143), raised IOP and normal optic disc and/or visual field (Uv-H) (n = 233), and raised IOP and glaucomatous disc and/or visual field (Uv-G) (n = 88).

    EXPOSURES: Eyes with uveitis and elevated IOP (>21 mm Hg) on at least 2 occasions.

    MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Comparison of RNFL values between groups of eyes and correlation with clinical data; risk factors for raised IOP, glaucoma, and RNFL thinning.

    RESULTS: Mean (SD) global RNFL was thicker in Uv-N (106.4 [21.4] µm) compared with control (96.0 [9.0] µm; P sex and anterior uveitis. Age, higher peak IOP, longer duration of follow-up, and uveitis-induced elevation of IOP were risk factors for glaucoma and RNFL defect.

    CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Screening for glaucomatous RNFL changes in uveitis must be performed during quiescent periods. Thinning of the inferior quadrant suggests that glaucomatous damage, more than uveitic ocular hypertension, is in fact occurring. Measurement of RNFL may detect signs of damage before disc or visual field changes and therefore identifies a subgroup that should receive more aggressive treatment.

    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  9. Fulltext Ethnic and gender differentials in non-communicable diseases and self-rated health in Malaysia
    Teh JK, Tey NP, Ng ST
    PLoS One, 2014;9(3):e91328.
    PMID: 24603609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091328
    OBJECTIVES: This paper examines the ethnic and gender differentials in high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), arthritis and asthma among older people in Malaysia, and how these diseases along with other factors affect self-rated health. Differentials in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among older people are examined in the context of socio-cultural perspectives in multi-ethnic Malaysia.

    METHODS: Data for this paper are obtained from the 2004 Malaysian Population and Family Survey. The survey covered a nationally representative sample of 3,406 persons aged 50 and over, comprising three main ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians) and all other indigenous groups. Bivariate analyses and hierarchical logistic regression were used in the analyses.

    RESULTS: Arthritis was the most common non-communicable disease (NCD), followed by HBP, diabetes, asthma and CHD. Older females were more likely than males to have arthritis and HBP, but males were more likely to have asthma. Diabetes and CHD were most prevalent among Indians, while arthritis and HBP were most prevalent among the Indigenous groups. Older people were more likely to report poor health if they suffered from NCD, especially CHD. Controlling for socio-economic, health and lifestyle factors, Chinese were least likely to report poor health, whereas Indians and Indigenous people were more likely to do so. Chinese that had HBP were more likely to report poor health compared to other ethnic groups with the same disease. Among those with arthritis, Indians were more likely to report poor health.

    CONCLUSION: Perceived health status and prevalence of arthritis, HBP, diabetes, asthma and CHD varied widely across ethnic groups. Promotion of healthy lifestyle, early detection and timely intervention of NCDs affecting different ethnic groups and gender with socio-cultural orientations would go a long way in alleviating the debilitating effects of the common NCDs among older people.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Distribution
  10. A test of the resource security and the body mass index reference point hypotheses of body dissatisfaction amongst adolescents in eight countries
    Mellor D, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, McCabe MP, Ricciardelli LA, Skouteris H, Mussap AJ
    Ethn Health, 2014;19(5):548-64.
    PMID: 24261816 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2013.857761
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify cultural-level variables that may influence the extent to which adolescents from different cultural groups are dissatisfied with their bodies.
    DESIGN: A sample of 1730 male and 2000 female adolescents from Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, Tonga, Tongans in New Zealand, China, Chile, and Greece completed measures of body satisfaction, and the sociocultural influences on body image and body change questionnaire, and self-reported height and weight. Country gross domestic product and national obesity were recorded using global databases.
    RESULTS: Prevalence of obesity/overweight and cultural endorsement of appearance standards explained variance in individual-level body dissatisfaction (BD) scores, even after controlling for the influence of individual differences in body mass index and internalization of appearance standards.
    CONCLUSIONS: Cultural-level variables may account for the development of adolescent BD.
    KEYWORDS: GDP; adolescents; body dissatisfaction; culture; sociocultural influences
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  11. Fulltext Evaluation of the association of plasma pentraxin 3 levels with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in a Malay population
    Abu Seman N, Witasp A, Wan Mohamud WN, Anderstam B, Brismar K, Stenvinkel P, et al.
    J Diabetes Res, 2013;2013:298019.
    PMID: 24350299 DOI: 10.1155/2013/298019
    Recent reports have demonstrated that elevated plasma long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels are associated with cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. In the current study, we investigated the plasma PTX3 levels in 296 Malay subjects including the subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with or without DN by using an enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. Results showed that in males, plasma PTX3 levels in T2DM patients without DN were lower than that in the subjects with NGT (2.78 versus 3.98 ng/mL; P = 0.021). Plasma PTX3 levels in T2DM patients with DN were decreased compared to the patients without DN (1.63 versus 2.78 ng/mL; P = 0.013). In females, however, no significant alteration of plasma PTX3 levels among NGT subjects and T2DM patients with and without DN was detected. Furthermore, an inverse correlation between PTX3 and body mass index was found in male subjects with NGT (P = 0.012; r = -0.390), but not in male T2DM patients, neither in all females. The current study provided the first evidence that decreased plasma PTX3 levels are associated with T2DM and DN in Malay men and also suggested that PTX3 may have different effects in DN and chronic kidney diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  12. Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in non- small cell lung cancers in a multiethnic malaysian patient population
    Liam CK, Leow HR, How SH, Pang YK, Chua KT, Lim BK, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2014;15(1):321-6.
    PMID: 24528049
    BACKGROUND: Mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are predictive of response to EGFR-targeted therapy in advanced stages of disease. This study aimed to determine the frequency of EGFR mutations in NSCLCs and to correlate their presence with clinical characteristics in multiethnic Malaysian patients.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, EGFR mutations in exons 18, 19, 20 and 21 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of consecutive NSCLC patients were asessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

    RESULTS: EGFR mutations were detected in NSCLCs from 55 (36.4%) of a total of 151 patients, being significantly more common in females (62.5%) than in males (17.2%) [odds ratio (OR), 8.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.77-16.98; p<0.001] and in never smokers (62.5%) than in ever smokers (12.7%) (OR, 11.50; 95%CI, 5.08-26.03; p<0.001). Mutations were more common in adenocarcinoma (39.4%) compared to non-adenocarcinoma NSCLCs (15.8%) (p=0.072). The mutation rates in patients of different ethnicities were not significantly different (p=0.08). Never smoking status was the only clinical feature that independently predicted the presence of EGFR mutations (adjusted OR, 5.94; 95%CI, 1.94- 18.17; p=0.002).

    CONCLUSIONS: In Malaysian patients with NSCLC, the EGFR mutation rate was similar to that in other Asian populations. EGFR mutations were significantly more common in female patients and in never smokers. Never smoking status was the only independent predictor for the presence of EGFR mutations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  13. Hormonal changes causing rhinitis in pregnancy among Malaysian women
    Indirani B, Raman R, Omar SZ
    J Laryngol Otol, 2013 Sep;127(9):876-81.
    PMID: 23954035 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215113001692
    To investigate the aetiology of rhinitis occurring in pregnancy, by (1) describing the relationship between pregnancy rhinitis and serum oestrogen, progesterone, placental growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor, and (2) assessing the prevalence of pregnancy rhinitis among Malaysian women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  14. Reliability and validity of the Malay version of Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men (MVATL/MVATG): a study on a group of medical students in Malaysia
    Ng CG, Tan LK, Gill JS, Koh OH, Jambunathan S, Pillai SK, et al.
    Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2013 Apr;5 Suppl 1:118-22.
    PMID: 23857847 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12056
    INTRODUCTION: This study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the Malay version of Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men (MVATL/MVATG) among a group of medical students in Malaysia.
    METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study of 173 medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The participants were given the MVATL/MVATG, Index of Attitudes toward Homosexuals (IATH), Homosexuality Attitude Scale (HAS) and the English version of Attitude toward Lesbians and Gay Men. Two weeks later, these students were given the MVATLG again.
    RESULTS: Significant correlation was found between the individual scores of MVATL and MVATG with IATH and HAS in the results. The scale was able to differentiate Muslim and Non-Muslim subjects. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of both the MVATL and MVATG were good, at 0.76 and 0.82, respectively. The parallel form reliability (Pearson's correlation) of MVATL was 0.0.73 and 0.74 for MVATG. The test-retest reliability of MVATL/MVATG was good (Intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.67 for MVATL and 0.60 for MVATG).
    DISCUSSION: The MVATLG demonstrated good psychometric properties in measuring attitudes toward homosexuality among a group of medical students in Malaysia and it could be used as a simple instrument on young educated Malaysian adults.
    KEYWORDS: Malaysia; attitude; gay men; homosexuality; lesbians; validation
    Matched MeSH terms: Religion and Sex
  15. Fulltext Prevalence of ultrasound diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among rural indigenous community of Sarawak and its association with biochemical and anthropometric measures
    Cheah WL, Lee PY, Chang CT, Mohamed HJ, Wong SL
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2013 Mar;44(2):309-17.
    PMID: 23691641
    Although the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome has been previously firmly established, the prevalence of NAFLD and its risk factors in rural communities remains incompletely defined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD amongst a rural community in Sarawak. An indigenous village was randomly selected where all adults aged 21 years and above underwent an abdominal ultrasound, biochemical tests and an anthropometric assessment. Respondents with a score > or =8 on an alcohol-use disorders-identification test (AUDIT) indicating harmful or hazardous drinking were excluded. Seventy-seven respondents (46.8% male, mean age 48.4 SD 16.64), met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of ultrasound diagnosed NAFLD was 44.2% (n=34), among them 52.9% had moderate NAFLD. There were no significant age or gender differences between respondents with and without NAFLD, although those with NAFLD were older. Respondents with NAFLD had a significantly higher BMI t,han those without NAFLD (p<0.001). Both male and female respondents with NAFLD had a significantly higher waist circumference than those without NAFLD (p<0.001). Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly higher among those with NAFLD. However, there were no significant differences in terms of percentage of unhealthy body fat and muscle, and serum HDL levels. Risk factors independently associated with NAFLD included male gender (odd ratio 0.06; 95% CI 0.008-0.523) and waist circumference (odd ratio 1.2; 95% CI 1.036-1.421). There was a high prevalence of NAFLD and the presence of more severe stages of disease in this indigenous population. Life-style related diseases, such as fatty liver disease, can occur in rural as well as urban populations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  16. Fulltext Plasma adiponectin concentrations are associated with dietary glycemic index in Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes
    Loh BI, Sathyasuryan DR, Mohamed HJ
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2013;22(2):241-8.
    PMID: 23635368 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2013.22.2.04
    Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone has been implicated in the control of blood glucose and chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. However, limited studies have evaluated dietary factors on plasma adiponectin levels, especially among type 2 diabetic patients in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary glycemic index on plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 305 type 2 diabetic patients aged 19-75 years from the Penang General Hospital, Malaysia. Socio-demographic information was collected using a standard questionnaire while dietary details were determined by using a pre-validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometry measurement included weight, height, BMI and waist circumference. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. After multivariate adjustment, dietary glycemic index was inversely associated with plasma adiponectin concentrations (β =-0.272, 95% CI -0.262, - 0.094; p<0.001). It was found that in individuals who consumed 1 unit of foods containing high dietary glycemic index that plasma adiponectin level reduced by 0.3 μg/mL. Thirty two percent (31.9%) of the variation in adiponectin concentrations was explained by age, sex, race, smoking status, BMI, waist circumference, HDL-C, triglycerides, magnesium, fiber and dietary glycemic index according to the multiple linear regression model (R2=0.319). These results support the hypothesis that dietary glycemic index influences plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlled clinical trials are required to confirm our findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Distribution
  17. The application and correlation of Pont's Index to the facial framework of three main ethnic groups in Malaysia
    Purmal K, Alam MK, Moganadass DD, Zakariat NN, Cheong NW
    Aust Orthod J, 2013 May;29(1):34-42.
    PMID: 23785936
    To assess the applicability of Pont's Index in a Malaysian population by obtaining baseline measurements of dental arch shape based on premolar arch width, molar arch width and the combined width of the maxillary incisors. A secondary aim was to determine whether a correlation exists between arch widths, Pont's Index and the facial framework.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  18. Fulltext Factors affecting commencement and cessation of smoking behaviour in Malaysian adults
    Ghani WM, Razak IA, Yang YH, Talib NA, Ikeda N, Axell T, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2012;12:207.
    PMID: 22429627 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-207
    BACKGROUND: Tobacco consumption peak in developed countries has passed, however, it is on the increase in many developing countries. Apart from cigarettes, consumption of local hand-rolled cigarettes such as bidi and rokok daun are prevalent in specific communities. Although factors associated with smoking initiation and cessation has been investigated elsewhere, the only available data for Malaysia is on prevalence. This study aims to investigate factors associated with smoking initiation and cessation which is imperative in designing intervention programs.
    METHODS: Data were collected from 11,697 adults by trained recording clerks on sociodemographic characteristics, practice of other risk habit and details of smoking such as type, duration and frequency. Smoking commencement and cessation were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier estimates and log-rank tests. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the hazard rate ratios.
    RESULTS: Males had a much higher prevalence of the habit (61.7%) as compared to females (5.8%). Cessation was found to be most common among the Chinese and those regularly consuming alcoholic beverages. Kaplan-Meier plot shows that although males are more likely to start smoking, females are found to be less likely to stop. History of betel quid chewing and alcohol consumption significantly increase the likelihood of commencement (p < 0.0001), while cessation was least likely among Indians, current quid chewers and kretek users (p < 0.01).
    CONCLUSIONS: Gender, ethnicity, history of quid chewing and alcohol consumption have been found to be important factors in smoking commencement; while ethnicity, betel quid chewing and type of tobacco smoked influences cessation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  19. Obesity inequality in Malaysia: decomposing differences by gender and ethnicity using quantile regression
    Dunn RA, Tan AK, Nayga RM
    Ethn Health, 2012;17(5):493-511.
    PMID: 22360320 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2012.661407
    OBJECTIVE: Obesity prevalence is unequally distributed across gender and ethnic group in Malaysia. In this paper, we examine the role of socioeconomic inequality in explaining these disparities.
    DESIGN: The body mass index (BMI) distributions of Malays and Chinese, the two largest ethnic groups in Malaysia, are estimated through the use of quantile regression. The differences in the BMI distributions are then decomposed into two parts: attributable to differences in socioeconomic endowments and attributable to differences in responses to endowments.
    RESULTS: For both males and females, the BMI distribution of Malays is shifted toward the right of the distribution of Chinese, i.e., Malays exhibit higher obesity rates. In the lower 75% of the distribution, differences in socioeconomic endowments explain none of this difference. At the 90th percentile, differences in socioeconomic endowments account for no more than 30% of the difference in BMI between ethnic groups.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the higher levels of income and education that accrue with economic development will likely not eliminate obesity inequality. This leads us to conclude that reduction of obesity inequality, as well the overall level of obesity, requires increased efforts to alter the lifestyle behaviors of Malaysians.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
  20. Prediction models for early risk detection of cardiovascular event
    Purwanto, Eswaran C, Logeswaran R, Abdul Rahman AR
    J Med Syst, 2012 Apr;36(2):521-31.
    PMID: 22675726
    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death globally. More people die of CVDs each year than from any other disease. Over 80% of CVD deaths occur in low and middle income countries and occur almost equally in male and female. In this paper, different computational models based on Bayesian Networks, Multilayer Perceptron,Radial Basis Function and Logistic Regression methods are presented to predict early risk detection of the cardiovascular event. A total of 929 (626 male and 303 female) heart attack data are used to construct the models.The models are tested using combined as well as separate male and female data. Among the models used, it is found that the Multilayer Perceptron model yields the best accuracy result.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sex Factors
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